The simplicity of bungalows complements the surrounding landscape.
The first American bungalows were built in Southern California in the early 20th century. Large front porches, overhanging eaves and their setting low to the ground made them ideal for the warm climate. The traditional bungalow interior features simple design, minimal decoration and natural materials. A bungalow-style home offers plenty of interior decor options, from traditional to modern. Does this Spark an idea?
Rustic
Create an informal, relaxing and welcoming space with a rustic interior. Lay wood or stone flooring throughout to create an open, flowing feel. Alternatively, combine the two, with stone flooring in the kitchen and wood flooring in the other rooms. Add stone cladding to the chimney breast and fit faux ceiling beams for an authentically rustic look. Use a color palette of muted greens, creams and mustard and leave woodwork exposed. Add comfy-looking overstuffed armchairs and sofas, combined with rustic wood furniture.
Light and Airy
Use the same flooring and color palette throughout to create the feeling of space and light flowing from one room to another. Choose light, soft colors such as creams, white, soft grays and pastels. Paint woodwork and skirting boards white for a clean, fresh feel. White-painted furniture creates a real country cottage feel, especially when combined with fabrics featuring delicate floral prints. Add texture with area rugs, cushions and throws in natural materials, and keep window dressings simple to allow maximum light in.
Nature-Inspired
The large front porches of a bungalow encourage sitting outside, and using nature-inspired decor creates the feeling of the outdoors flowing inside. Take inspiration from the garden to select a color palette; use soft greens, browns, blues and splashes of rose red, sunflower yellow and lavender. Choose natural fiber fabrics with nature-inspired Art Nouveau-style flowing shapes such as vines and leaves and combine with delicate floral patterns. Framed botanicals, fresh-cut flowers and potted plants create a sense of cohesion from garden to home, indoors to out.
Modern
Use a fresh, clean color palette of soft, muted pastels, creams and white. For seating, use large sofas instead of individual chairs to create a clutter-free environment. Choose furniture with simple, clean lines and no elaborate embellishments or detailing. Space-saving furniture is an ideal choice for a modern interior,since you don't want too much furniture crammed in. Hang blinds at the windows and soften the look slightly with delicately draped fabric such as tulle or gossamer. Combine plain fabrics with floral prints, stripes or polka dots for a feminine touch and keep tabletop accessories to a minimum.
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